Classic Ross Amico

Tag: Georg Solti

Chicago Symphony in Princeton Stripped Down

The Chicago Symphony, stripped down in Princeton!

https://drgeraldstein.wordpress.com/2023/09/10/solti-and-the-orchestra-with-nothing-to-hide/

It’s not for nothing that Solti’s musicians nicknamed him the Screaming Skull. I was alerted to this story this morning on Norman Lebrecht’s blog, Slipped Disc.

Even more fearsome was CSO music director Fritz Reiner. And yet even Reiner had his soft side. Here’s a very different account of the CSO on tour:

125 Moments: 101 Fritz Reiner’s “Perfect Concert”

To understand what a bastard Reiner could be, again with a Princeton connection (admittedly, supplied by me), read this:

Be sure to follow the link to “Fritz Reiner: A Marriage of Talent and Terror” at the bottom of the post!

September 10, 2023
Screaming Skull Solti Liszt Halloween Music

His musicians dubbed him “The Screaming Skull.” Can’t get much more Halloween than that. I enjoyed listening to Sir Georg Solti’s recording of Liszt’s “A Faust Symphony” while driving around this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll like it too.

October 31, 2022
Strauss’ Lasting Message of Love & Music

“Our future lies in art, especially in music. In times when spiritual goods are rarer than material ones, and egotism, envy and hatred govern the world, music will do much to re-establish love among mankind.”

– Richard Strauss

This is the last music Strauss ever conducted, as part of his 85th birthday celebration. He also stipulated that the music be performed at his funeral. On that occasion, a 36 year-old Georg Solti conducted, and the three singers, in turn, broke down, overcome by emotion. Its message is, simultaneously, one of valediction and renewal. In a performance like this is, it can be almost unbearably poignant.

June 11, 2020

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